Thornton appoints Dwayne Schaffer to local licensing authority after interviews

Thornton City Council on Oct. 7 interviewed two applicants for a Local Licensing Authority vacancy and appointed Dwayne Schaffer to the board by consensus.

Applicants Dwayne Schaffer and Jeremy Black each answered the council's standard set of questions about qualifications, impartiality, preparation for quasi-judicial hearings and outreach to residents. Schaffer highlighted an eight-year Thornton residency, business and property-management experience, leadership experience and prior engagement with local issues; he told council he had studied past authority minutes and reached out to current members. Black, who described a long law-enforcement and public-safety career in Northern Colorado and prior board service on public-safety and dispatch commissions, emphasized experience with regulatory and quasi-judicial processes.

During deliberations council members praised both applicants. Several council members said they favored Schaffer for this appointment because he was new to civic boards and highly engaged with neighborhood activity; others favored Black's public-safety credentials. Councilors ultimately signaled consensus for Schaffer.

Mayor Jan Coleman said the council would notify applicants shortly. The appointment fills a Ward 4 vacancy on the Local Licensing Authority; council will provide logistical follow-up and onboarding through staff liaisons and the city attorney's office.

Council discussion included a reminder that staff provides onboarding and that members are supported by the city attorney and staff liaisons on quasi-judicial responsibilities.